Everything About Allergy

Certain insects can cause allergic reactions with their venom, such as bees, wasps and fire ants. Proteins in the venom causes the allergic reaction in humans. People who are not allergic to the venom only develop skin redness, itching, swelling and mild pain on the area of the insect bite. Household treatment such as applying ice on the area is enough.

People that are allergic to the venom may manifest a serious reaction called anaphylactic reaction, where one experiences difficulty breathing, or may lose consciousness. But this reaction occurs on the second or subsequent sting. The first sting usually result to a local reaction, where the skin swells and becomes itchy or painful.

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An allergy specialist, or allergist-immunologist, is a medical doctor that has undergone years of training to be able to manage and treat allergic diseases such as asthma. In the United States, before one becomes an allergist-immunologist, one has to complete medical school, then undergo three years of training for internal medicine or pediatrics. After that, one has to pass the American Board of Internal Medicine or American Board of Pediatrics. In the US, allergy-immunology is a sub-specialty of internists or pediatricians, where another two-year training is needed, and a certifying exam of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology should be passed.

Source: Wikipedia

Skin asthma attacks are caused by insect bites, dust, contact with grass and certain animals, or food. The skin becomes itchy, become swollen and breaks - the wound doesn’t bleed but it produces fluids that actually protect the skin from infection.

A common treatment for open wounds due to skin asthma is potassium permanganate dissolved in hot water. The affected area is washed with the solution while it is hot, but tolerable. It helps in healing the wound and making it dry. A special cream formulated by a dermatologist is then applied to the open wound and is kept exposed to air until it dries.

The most common allergy triggers are pollen, pets, dust mites, insect stings , molds, food, latex, medicines, fragrance, and cockroaches.

Pets trigger allergies not because of its fine fur, but the proteins secreted by oil glands in the animal’s skin and saliva. To avoid allergic reactions to pets, bathe the animal at least once a week, avoid carpets and do not allow the pet in the bedroom.

Dust mites live in house dust and feed on human and animal dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria and fungi. It accumulates in pillows, carpets, stuffed toys – such items should be washed at least once a week in hot water.

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Cigarette smoke is an allergen that may aggravate allergies. Aside from harming the smokers themselves, the families of smokers are exposed to second hand smoke which increases the risk of allergic complications like sinusitis and bronchitis. Watery eyes, nasal congestion, hoarseness and shortness of breath, and coughing are among the symptoms of smoke irritation.

Preventive strategies are suggested by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health:

- Don’t smoke.
- If already a smoker, start your journey to quit smoking, and seek support from these websites: National Cancer Institute, Nicotine Anonymous, American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control, American Cancer Society.
- Look for non-smoking areas in public places such as restaurants, movie houses, etc.
- Do not smoke in enclosed areas, and avoid smoking in the presence of other people who may be exposed to second- hand smoke.

When my son was just one-month old, he developed a respiratory infection accompanied by a mild wheeze and rashes all over the face and neck. This quite alarmed our pediatrician, who is also a pulmonologist.

She told me that, although it was too early for a definite diagnosis as to my son being atopic or asthmatic, it was better to put some preventive measures in place. In retrospect, I am thankful for our pediatrician’s sound advice.

According to the WHO, asthma is leading chronic disease among children. It is also the most common cause of hospitalization in this age group. Because of this, experts are continually studying

Experts agree on the following measures to prevent or delay the onset of allergic diseases in children:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 9 months
2. Use of hydrolyzed milk formulas
3. Maternal avoidance of allergenic food during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
4. Delaying the introduction of solid food, especially allergenic ones
5. Exposure to endotoxin

Asthma is an allergic reaction to substances, and may manifest through the lungs where the patient experiences difficulty in breathing. It may also be in the form of allergic rhinitis, where an attack of sneezes occurs. Asthma may also manifest in the skin, which is less dangerous than a lung asthma, but have similar effects - swelling.

Asthma is also hereditary - it is passed on through the family blood line. It is also possible for siblings to have the condition all at the same time. It is likely for children of “asthmatics” to manifest one of the three conditions mentioned above.